Electromagnetic radiation assembly

ABSTRACT

An electromagnetic radiation assembly is described and which includes a reflector having discrete first and second surfaces; a first electromagnetic radiation emitter positioned adjacent to the first surface; and a second electromagnetic radiation emitter positioned adjacent to the second surface, and wherein, when energized, the first and second electromagnetic radiation emitters emit visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation which is reflected by the reflector in a fashion so as to be visible at locations forward of the first surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic radiation assembly,and more specifically to an assembly which may operate as a combinedwarning lamp and rearview mirror and which is operable to illuminateregions adjacent to the overland vehicle and which assists in the safeoperation of the overland vehicle as by signaling adjacent vehicles ofthe intention of the operator to change the direction of the overlandvehicle; to assist the operator in entering or departing the vehicleduring reduced periods of visibility; and further to provide informationof interest, to the operator of the overland vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art is replete with numerous examples of various auxiliarysignaling assemblies which have been employed for various purposes onoverland vehicles of assorted designs. As a general matter, theseauxiliary signaling assemblies have utilized assorted semitransparentmirrors including dichroic and electrochromic type mirrors as well asneutrally chromatic mirrors which have been modified, in variousfashions, so as to be rendered semitransparent.

In addition to the use of various semitransparent mirrors, assortedmirror housing modifications have been made which have added operationalfeatures to these same signaling assemblies. The modifications haveincluded such things as exterior lamps which have been useful forilluminating the side of the vehicle, or the underlying earth beside thevehicle, in order to provide assistance to an operator when they areleaving or entering the vehicle during reduced periods of visibility.Auxiliary signaling assemblies such as found in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,014,167; 6,005,724; and 6,076,948 for example have found wideacceptance and are now found on various overland vehicles includingpassenger cars, sport utility vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles.

In view of the increased commercial acceptance of such devices,designers have increasingly focused on both interior and exteriormirrors as regions in which various warning lamps or indicators may belocated so as to provide periodic information to the operator regardingthe operational condition of the overland vehicle, or other conditionssuch as ambient environmental conditions which could effect the safeoperation of the overland vehicle. Such warning lamps and indicatorshave provided such information as tire pressure, temperature, andproximity to fixed objects which may be impacted when the vehicle isbeing operated in reverse, for example.

While the various auxiliary signaling assemblies and mirrors, asreferenced above, have operated with a great deal of success, there havebeen shortcomings which have detracted from their individual usefulness.For example, many of the prior art designs are quite complex. Forexample, several of the prior art auxiliary signaling assemblies whichhave been utilized heretofore have resulted in an increase in the sizeof the exterior mirror housing in order to accommodate the auxiliarysignaling lamps. In other arrangements, the addition of the auxiliarysignaling assemblies has resulted in an increase in the complexity ofthe electrical conduits that are necessary to provide electrical powerto the various assemblies in the mirror. Various solutions have beensuggested to this problem including integrating various electricalconduits into preexisting mirror assembly components such as heaters orthe like. Notwithstanding these efforts, the space remaining within amirror housing is quite limited. With the continued emphasis onproviding increased features which are available to the operator fromthe rear and side view mirrors, problems begin to arise with respect tothe dissipation of heat energy generated as a result of the energizingof various light emitting diodes which are utilized to provide thevisibly discernable light which can be discerned by the operator of theoverland vehicle. Failure to dissipate excessive amounts of this heatenergy can result in a shortened operational lifetime for these sameassemblies.

In the present invention, the inventors have departed from the teachingsof the prior art by providing an electromagnetic radiation assemblywhich can achieve all the benefits provided by the previous prior artassemblies while avoiding many of the shortcomings associated therewith.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be discussed ingreater detail hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, one aspect of the present invention relates to anelectromagnetic radiation assembly which includes a reflector havingdistinct first and second surfaces, and first and second portions; afirst electromagnetic radiation emitter positioned adjacent to the firstsurface, and which, when energized, emits visibly discernibleelectromagnetic radiation which is reflected by the first portion of thereflector so as to be visible at locations forward of the first surface;and a second electromagnetic radiation emitter positioned adjacent tothe second surface of the reflector, and which, when energized, emitsvisibly discernible electromagnetic radiation which is reflected by thesecond portion of the reflector so as to be visible at locations forwardof the first surface.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a electromagneticradiation assembly which includes a first supporting substrate havingdistinct first and second surfaces, and which defines, at least in part,an aperture which permits visibly discernible electromagnetic radiationto pass therethrough; a first electromagnetic radiation emitterpositioned on the second surface of the first supporting substrate, andnear the aperture; a reflector having a first and second portion, andwherein the first portion is oriented in reflecting relation relative tothe first electromagnetic radiation emitter, and which reflects, atleast in part, electromagnetic radiation which is emitted by firstelectromagnetic radiation emitter through the aperture such that theemitted electromagnetic radiation may be detected at locations forwardof the first surface of the first supporting substrate; a secondelectromagnetic radiation emitter positioned in spaced relation relativeto the first supporting substrate, and wherein the reflector ispositioned therebetween the second electromagnetic radiation emitter,and the first supporting substrate, and wherein the second portion ofthe reflector reflects, at least in part, electromagnetic radiationwhich is emitted by the second electromagnetic radiation emitter throughthe aperture such that the emitted electromagnetic radiation may bedetected at locations forward of the first supporting substrate.

Still another aspect of the present invention relates to anelectromagnetic radiation assembly which includes a first supportingsubstrate having first and second surfaces, and which defines, at leastin part, an aperture which passes visibly discernible lighttherethrough; a first electromagnetic radiation emitter borne by thesecond surface, and which, when energized, emits visibly discerniblelight; a reflector having a first portion which defines, at least inpart, a reflector pocket which is disposed in substantially covering,eccentric reflecting relation relative to the first electromagneticradiation emitter, and a second portion, and wherein the visiblydiscernible light emitted by the first electromagnetic radiation emitteris reflected, at least in part, by the reflector pocket, andsubsequently passes through the aperture of the first supportingsubstrate such that it can be seen from a location forward of the firstsurface of the first supporting substrate; a second substrate positionedin spaced relation relative to the reflector, and wherein the reflectoris positioned therebetween the first and second supporting substrates;and a second electromagnetic radiation emitter borne by the secondsubstrate, and which, when energized, emits visibly discernible lightwhich is reflected by the second portion of the reflector, and whichpasses through the aperture of the first supporting substrate such thatit can be seen from a location forward of the first surface of the firstsupporting substrate.

Yet still further, another aspect of the present invention relates to anelectromagnetic radiation assembly which includes a first supportingsubstrate having first and second surfaces, and which further has aregion through which an electromagnetic radiation signal may pass; afirst plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters borne by thesecond surface, and positioned adjacent to the region through which anelectromagnetic radiation signal may pass, and wherein the firstplurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters, when energized, emitselectromagnetic radiation which forms a first electromagnetic radiationsignal; a reflector having a plurality of reflector pockets which areindividually positioned in covering, eccentric reflecting relationrelative to each of the first plurality of electromagnetic radiationemitters, and wherein the reflector further includes a region thoroughwhich a second electromagnetic radiation signal may pass, and whereinthe first electromagnetic radiation signal generated by the firstplurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters is reflected by therespective reflector pockets in a direction so as to substantially passthrough the region in the first supporting substrate which passes thefirst electromagnetic radiation signal; a second supporting substratehaving first and second surfaces, and which is positioned in spacedrelation relative to the reflector, and wherein the reflector ispositioned therebetween the first and second supporting surfaces; and asecond plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters borne by thesecond supporting substrate and which, when energized, emitselectromagnetic radiation which forms a second electromagnetic radiationsignal, and wherein the second electromagnetic radiation signal passesthrough both the region of the reflector which passes the secondelectromagnetic radiation signal, and the region of the first supportingsubstrate which permits the passage of the first electromagneticradiation signal.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be discussed ingreater detail hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a greatly simplified, perspective exploded view of one form ofthe electromagnetic radiation assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial, plan view of the electromagnetic radiation assemblyof the present invention with a semitransparent substrate thereofremoved to show the structure thereunder.

FIG. 3 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view of the electromagneticradiation assembly of the present invention and which is taken from aposition along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal, vertical, sectional view of theelectromagnetic radiation assembly of the present invention and which istaken from a position along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective transverse, vertical, sectional view of theelectromagnetic radiation assembly of the present invention and which isagain taken from a position along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a partial, plan view of a second form of the electromagneticradiation assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a greatly simplified, perspective, exploded view of the secondform of the electromagnetic radiation assembly of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A, B and C are greatly simplified, schematic views of the patternof visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation emitted by the firstand second forms of the invention during their various modes ofoperation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of theconstitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progressof science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the electromagneticradiation assembly of the present invention is generally indicated bythe numeral 10 in FIG. 1 and following. For illustrative convenience theelectromagnetic radiation assembly 10 of the present invention, andwhich is shown and described herein, is discussed as it would beconfigured if it were installed on an overland vehicle 11 ofconventional design and which is best seen by reference to FIG. 8. Asdiscussed in many of the earlier prior art patents, the electromagneticradiation assembly (hereinafter referred to as assembly 10) of thepresent invention operates as a combination rearview mirror, and visualsignaling device, and wherein the visual signaling device provides avisual signal or pattern of illumination which is capable of beingperceived from various locations which are located in assorted differentdirections which are laterally outwardly, inwardly, and rearwardly ofthe overland vehicle, when the invention is operating in its severaloperational modes. As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter,the present assembly 10 is operable to generate visibly discernableelectromagnetic radiation which can be seen as illustrated in FIG. 8A atlocations laterally outwardly relative to the overland vehicle 11;laterally inwardly relative to the overland vehicle as seen in FIG. 8B;and rearwardly and downwardly as seen in FIG. 8C. Other emissionpatterns are also possible. These various modes of operation of theassembly 10 will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

As seen in FIG. 8, the present invention 10 is mounted on an overlandvehicle 11 of conventional design. The overland vehicle 11 has a frontor forward portion 12, and a rearward portion 13. The overland vehicle11 further has a passenger compartment 14 where an operator of theoverland vehicle is seated. Still further, the overland vehicle includesexterior locations 21 for a pair of exterior rearview mirrors whichincorporate the present invention and which are best understood by astudy of FIGS. 1 and 7, respectively. These forms of the invention willbe discussed in greater detail below. As should be understood, theoverland vehicle 11 also has a hand operated directional signalingswitch; and foot brake (not shown), and which when utilized, provides anelectrical signal which may alert drivers of other vehicles in theimmediate vicinity that the overland vehicle 11 is about to changedirections, turn, change lanes, etc. Yet further, other signals orwarning icons may also be provided, and which can be viewed from theoverland vehicle and which will alert the operator of various conditionsexisting on the overland vehicle, or outside ambient environmentalconditions which may effect the safe operation of the overland vehicle.In addition to the foregoing, the overland vehicle 11 may be equippedwith a radio frequency receiver 22 and which receives an RF signal whichis transmitted from a key fob held by the operator of the overlandvehicle (not shown). This RF signal, once received, is effective tounlock the various doors of the overland vehicle and further is usefulin actuating the operation of the assembly 10 in one of its severalmodes of operation, as will be discussed below.

As best illustrated in FIG. 8, an operator of an overland vehicle 11when positioned in the operator's position 20 has a field of view whichextends approximately 180° from the operator's position towards theforward portion 12 of the vehicle. Further, and by using a pair of theassemblies 10 which are individually located at the positions 21 on theexterior portion of the overland vehicle 11, the operator may, bylooking along given lines of sight, view rearwardly of the vehicle alongthe driver's side, passenger side, and substantially along alongitudinal axis 23 of the overland vehicle 11 when the operator viewsan interior rearview mirror, which is not shown. As depicted in FIGS.8A, B and C, the assembly 10 of the present invention, when energized,provides a plurality of illumination zones which are generally indicatedby the numeral 30. These illumination zones include a first illuminationzone 31 (FIG. 8A) which provides visibly discernable electromagneticradiation which is visible at positions which are laterally, outwardlyrelative to the intended direction of travel of the overland vehicle 11.This first illumination zone is designed to direct visibly discernableelectromagnetic radiation at vehicles traveling rearwardly and inadjacent lanes relative to the overland vehicle 11 when the apparatus isoperating in a first mode. Still further, the second illumination zone32 provides visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation which isoriented substantially laterally, inwardly relative to the direction ofmovement of the overland vehicle, and which can be perceived by theoperator of same when the apparatus is operating in a second mode.Typically, this second illumination zone is employed to transmitinformation of interest to the operator of the overland vehicle 11regarding the operational conditions of the overland vehicle 11 as wellas other information which may be of interest in the safe operation ofthe overland vehicle 11. Still further, the assembly 10, when energized,provides a third illumination zone 33 which is oriented substantiallylaterally inwardly, and downwardly towards the face of the earth whenthe apparatus is operating in a third mode. The third illumination zoneis utilized typically for purposes of illuminating the side and regionadjacent to the overland vehicle during periods of reduced visibility inorder for an operator to safely enter or exit the overland vehicle.These various illumination zones will be discussed in greater detailhereinafter.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the first form of the assembly 10 of thepresent invention is incorporated into a mirror housing which isgenerally indicated by the numeral 40, and which is typically mounted atthe mirror locations 21 on the exterior surface of the overland vehicle11. The mirror housing or enclosure has a rear wall 41, and a sidewall42 extends outwardly therefrom. The sidewall 42 has a peripheral edge 43and which defines an aperture 44 having given dimensions. The rear wall41, and sidewall 42 further defines a cavity 45 which receives andencloses the assembly 10, and other associated devices such as a movablebezel, which is not shown. As should be understood, the bezel may alsoinclude a cavity which matingly receives, at least in part, the assembly10. The bezel movably supports the assembly 10 within the housing 40.The assembly 10 can be positionally adjusted either manually, orremotely, by an actuator (not shown) to a given angular orientationrelative to the various lines of sight utilized by the operator (notshown) of the overland vehicle 11. This movement of the assemblyprovides a means by which the operator may adjust his given field ofview rearwardly of the overland vehicle 11.

The assembly 10 of the present invention, as seen in FIG. 1 andfollowing, includes a semitransparent substrate which is generallyindicated by the numeral 50, and which has a front, first or outsidefacing surface 51, and an opposite, second or rearwardly facing surface52. In automotive applications, the semitransparent substrate is asemitransparent mirror which is selected from the group ofsemitransparent mirrors comprising substantially neutrally chromatic;dichroic; electrochromic and/or combinations thereof. Thesemitransparent substrate or mirror 50 further is defined by aperipheral edge 53, which substantially corresponds in shape and in sizeto the aperture 44 which is defined by the peripheral edge 43 of thehousing 40. When assembled, the semitransparent mirror or substrate 50substantially occludes the aperture 44. The semitransparent substrate ormirror 50 of the present invention may take on several forms. As seen inFIGS. 1 and 7, the semitransparent substrate or mirror typicallycomprises a substantially transparent or translucent substrate which hasa highly reflective coating applied thereto. As should be understood,the reflective coating may be applied, either, on the one hand, to thefirst or outside facing surface 51, or in the alternative, and moretypically to the opposite, second or rearwardly facing surface 52. Thehighly reflective coating may comprise any number of different highlyreflective or mirror like coatings or substances such as chromium andthe like, and which may be applied or formed in a manner which providesa commercially acceptable reflective surface. Still further, othercoatings may be applied, for example, to the opposite rearwardly facingsurface 52 such as masking layers and the like and which render thesemitransparent substrate or mirror substantially opaque. For automotiveapplications, the resulting reflectance of the semitransparent mirror orsubstrate 50 should be generally, on average, greater than about 35%.However, in other commercial applications, increased or decreasedreflectance may be acceptable depending upon the end use of the assembly10.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 7, for example, the semitransparentsubstrate or mirror 50 has a first, or primary region 61, and throughwhich a visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation signal may pass;and an adjacent secondary region 62. While only two regions are shownand discussed herein, it is of course possible to have a plurality ofsecondary regions depending upon the end use of the assembly 10. Thesesecondary regions may be adjacent to each other, or may be spaced at adistance and positioned at various locations about the semitransparentsubstrate or mirror 50. As a general matter, however, the first orprimary region 61 passes a portion of the visibly discernableelectromagnetic radiation directed at same while simultaneouslyreflecting a given percentage of the visibly discernable electromagneticradiation or light which comes from the ambient environment. On theother hand, the secondary region 62 is operable to reflect ambientvisibly discernable electromagnetic radiation and is otherwiseconsidered nominally opaque. Depending upon the reflective or othermasking layers which are applied to the opposite, rearwardly facingsurface 52, the secondary region 62 may be considered completely opaque.As discussed above, the combined average reflectance of the overallsurface area of the semitransparent substrate or mirror 50, includingboth the primary and secondary regions, is typically greater than about35% when the assembly 10 is being employed for automotive applications,as noted above. In other industrial applications, the averagereflectance may be lower or higher depending upon the desired end use.As seen in the drawings, the secondary region 62 is substantiallycontinuous and reflects for automotive applications greater than about35% of the ambient, visible, electromagnetic radiation, and whichstrikes the first outside facing surface 51 thereof. Typically, in mostautomotive applications, the secondary region 62, on average, passesless than about 10% of the ambient visibly discernable electromagneticradiation. The first or primary region 61, on the other hand, passesless than about 50% of visible electromagnetic radiation, and furtherreflects on average, less than about 40% of visible electromagneticradiation. The ranges noted above have been found suitable forautomotive applications, however, it will be recognized that otherbroadened or narrowed ranges may be useful for other industrialapplications.

As seen in FIG. 1, the semitransparent mirror 50 includes a plurality ofdiscrete apertures or regions 63 which may be formed in a given pattern,and in various densities in the reflective coating, and whichfacilitates the passage of visibly discernable electromagnetic radiationtherethrough. With respect to the semitransparent mirror or substrate50, the first or primary region 61 may be formed by a number ofdifferent means including providing reduced thickness areas in theassociated reflective coating which is provided. These reduced thicknessareas in the mirror coating allow increased amounts of visiblydiscernable electromagnetic radiation to pass therethrough in relativecomparison to the adjacent thicker areas in the secondary region 62.Further, the secondary region, as earlier discussed, may be coated withan opaque masking layer which substantially inhibits visibly discernableelectromagnetic radiation from passing therethrough. Still further, thesemitransparent mirror or substrate 50 may have a dichroic mirrorcoating applied thereto. The usefulness of dichroic mirror coatings ofvarious types have been discussed in various U.S. patents including U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,014,167 and 5,207,492 to name but a few. These dichroicmirror coatings are well known in the art, and further discussionregarding the nature and operation of these respective mirror coatingsis not warranted. In connection with such dichroic mirror coatings, asubstantially opaque masking layer, as earlier discussed, may be appliedover the secondary region 62 thereby making the secondary regionsubstantially opaque and further permitting visible electromagneticradiation to pass through the first or primary region 61 which isunmasked. As discussed in the earlier prior art patents, the dichroicmirror coating which is applied to the semitransparent mirror orsubstrate 50 may be selected to pass given bands of visibly discernableelectromagnetic radiation or light in greater amounts than other bandsof electromagnetic radiation thereby making the resultingsemitransparent mirror or substrate 50, on average, an acceptablereflector of visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation whilesimultaneously allowing increased amounts of visibly discernableelectromagnetic radiation of the selected band of electromagneticradiation to pass therethrough. In addition to the foregoing, anotheracceptable semitransparent mirror or substrate 50 may include anelectrochromic mirror of a construction similar to that seen in U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,257,746; and 6,512,624 the teachings of which areincorporated by reference herein. In view of these teachings, anelectrochromic mirror may be useful in the practice of the presentinvention 10 as will be discussed in greater detail below. It is alsopossible to provide combined substrates 50 depending upon the end use ofthe assembly.

Referring now to FIG. 1, and following, the assembly 10 of the presentinvention includes a first substantially opaque substrate which isgenerally indicated by the numeral 70. The first opaque substrateoperates, at least in part, as a circuit board in order to mount aplurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters which will be discussedbelow. The first substrate 70 has a first surface 71, which is typicallyjuxtaposed relative to the second or rearwardly facing surface 52 of thesemitransparent mirror 50. The first substrate 70 has a distinct secondsurface 72. Still further, the first substrate 70 defines, at least inpart, one region 73 (FIG. 1), although a plurality of regions may bedefined, and through which visibly discernable electromagnetic radiationmay pass. As seen, the region through which the electromagneticradiation may pass 73 may include a plurality of apertures 74 which areformed in the first substrate 70 and which extend therethrough. Theapertures 74 are positioned in a predetermined pattern in order toprovide a resulting visual signal which may be viewed and understood byothers at a distance relative to the overland vehicle 11. As seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the first substantially opaque substrate 70 mounts on thesecond surface 72 thereof, a first plurality of electromagneticradiation emitters 75. The second surface 72 also mounts electricallyconductive passageways (not shown), and which electrically couple therespective electromagnetic radiation emitters 75 with a source ofelectrical power which is typically provided by the overland vehicle 11.As should be understood, the first plurality of electromagneticradiation emitters 75, when energized, emit visibly discernableelectromagnetic radiation which travels along a path which is generallyindicated by the numeral 76 (FIGS. 3 and 5), and which forms the firstillumination zone 31, as seen in FIG. 8A. As seen in FIG. 1, it will beunderstood that the first plurality of electromagnetic radiationemitters are mounted on the second surface 72 of the first opaquesubstrate 70, and near the region 73 which passes the visiblydiscernable electromagnetic radiation. As illustrated in FIG. 1, theindividual electromagnetic radiation emitters are typically associatedwith the individual apertures 74 which are formed in the first opaquesubstrate 70. While the discussion above was directed to visiblydiscernable electromagnetic radiation, it is possible by means of thepresent invention to emit electromagnetic radiation which is not visibleand which would be useful in other applications.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, it will be seen that the assembly 10of the present invention includes a reflector which is generallyindicated by the numeral 80. The reflector can be fabricated byutilizing standard injection molding techniques, and post, reflectivecoating procedures. Alternatively, it may be pressure or vacuum formedfrom deformable sheets that have a highly reflective coating formedthereon. The reflector 80 has a first surface 81 which is positionednear the second surface 72 of the first opaque substrate 70; and adistinct second surface 82, as best seen by reference to FIG. 3. In thearrangement as shown in FIG. 4, it will be seen that the first opaquesubstrate 70 matingly cooperates with the reflector 80 such that thereflector 80 is juxtaposed, at least in part, relative to thesemitransparent mirror or substrate 50. As seen by reference to FIG. 4,it will be understood that the first plurality of electromagneticradiation emitters 75 are positioned near, but in spaced relationrelative to, the first surface 81 of the reflector 80. As bestunderstood by a study of FIGS. 1 and 3, respectively, the reflector 80includes a first portion 83, and a second portion 84. The first portion83 of the reflector 80 includes a plurality of individual reflectorpockets 85 which define cavities 86. The individual reflector pockets 85are typically positioned in substantially eccentric reflecting relationrelative to the first plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters75. When energized, the respective reflector pockets individuallyreflect the visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation 76 emitted bythe first plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters 75 in a firstdirection, as illustrated, and into the illumination zone 31 as seen inFIG. 8A. As illustrated in the drawings, the respective reflectorpockets 85 typically include multiple reflector facets which aregenerally indicated by the numeral 90. The respective reflector facetsare operable to reflect the emitted visibly discernable electromagneticradiation into the illumination zones as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-C,respectively during the various modes of operation of the invention.With respect to the second portion 84 of the reflector 80, it should beunderstood that the second portion 84 of the reflector 80 comprises, atleast in part, an aperture 91 which extends through the reflector andwhich allows visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation generated bya second electromagnetic radiation emitter, which will be discussedbelow, to pass therethrough. The second portion 84 of the reflectorfurther includes a reflector facet 92 having a reflecting surface 93(FIG. 5) which is located adjacent to the aperture 91 and which isfurther positioned in spaced relation relative to the second surface 82of the reflector 80 (FIG. 4), and oriented in reflecting relationrelative to the second electromagnetic radiation emitter as will bedescribed hereinafter. In the arrangement as seen in FIG. 3, it will beunderstood that visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation emitted bythe second electromagnetic radiation emitter is reflected by thereflector facet 92 of the second portion 84, and in a second directionwhere it passes into the illumination zone 33 as seen in FIG. 8C. Asshould be noted, the visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation fromboth emitters is passed by the first region 61 of the semitransparentsubstrate 50, and viewed at locations forward of the first surface ofthe first substrate 70.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5, it will be seen that the assembly10 includes a second supporting substrate 100, and which is located inspaced relation relative to the first substantially opaque substrate 70.As illustrated, the reflector 80 is positioned therebetween the firstand second substrates 70 and 100, respectively. As seen in the drawings,the second supporting substrate has a first surface 101 which rests, atleast in part, in contact with the second surface 82 of the reflector80, and a second surface 102. Still further, a plurality of apertures103, as seen in FIG. 4, are formed in the second supporting substrate100. Matingly received within, and disposed in an occluding relationrelative to the apertures 103, are individual, second electromagneticradiation emitters 104, here illustrated as side emitting, lightemitting diodes. As depicted in FIG. 4, it should be understood thateach of the second plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters, hereillustrated as side emitting, light emitting diodes 104, include a heatsink 105. As should be understood, during operation, and when energized,the second plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters 104 generateheat energy. The arrangement, as shown in FIG. 4, allows the heat energygenerated by the second plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters104 to be dissipated, at least in part, into the housing 40 and therebyprevent the undue buildup of heat energy in the assembly 10 which maycause a failure of the assembly 10 and/or the individual electromagneticradiation emitters 104, as provided. When energized, the secondplurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters 104 emits visiblydiscernable electromagnetic radiation 106 which is reflected by thesecond portion 84 of the reflector 80 along a course of travel to formthe illumination zone 33 as seen in FIG. 8C. A portion of this secondcourse of travel is in a different direction from that provided by thefirst electromagnetic radiation emitters 75. As best understood by astudy of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the assembly 10 may include a thirdplurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters which are generallyindicated by the numeral 110. This third plurality of electromagneticradiation emitters 110 are mounted on the second surface 72 of the firstsubstrate 70, and are electrically coupled to suitable electricalpathways which are borne by the second surface of the first substrate(not shown). As seen most clearly by reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, thethird plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters 110 are eachindividually associated with respective reflector pockets 85 and whichare formed and otherwise oriented in a fashion so as to project theelectromagnetic radiation 111 emitted by the third plurality ofelectromagnetic radiation into the illumination zone 32 as seen in FIG.8B and in a third direction.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and following, it will be seen that the assembly10 includes a housing which is generally indicated by the numeral 120.The housing is operable to receive, and partially enclose, in a somewhatnested arrangement, the various assemblies, discussed above. In thisregard, the housing 120 includes a bottom portion 121. The bottomportion 121 includes a plurality of apertures 122, which aresubstantially coaxially aligned relative to the heat sinks 105 of therespective second plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters 104.The apertures 122 further facilitates the dissipation of the heat energygenerated during the energizing of the respective second electromagneticradiation emitters into the housing 40, and which is mounted on theoverland vehicle 11. Extending generally normally upwardly relative tothe bottom portion 121 is a substantially continuous sidewall 123. Thesidewall and bottom portion 121 define a cavity 124 which matingly andnestingly receives and otherwise operably cooperates with the assembliesdescribed above. The housing 120 is itself, then matingly or otherwisemounted, along with the semitransparent mirror or substrate 50, to amirror bezel (not shown) and which is received within the housing 40. Inthis fashion, the assembly 10 can be oriented in a proper position so asto be useful to the operator of an overland vehicle 11.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a second form of the invention is generallyindicated by the numeral 130. As shown therein, the second form of theinvention includes many features similar to that of the first form ofthe invention 10. Like structures in many instances have been shown andfor those reasons bear similar numbers. In this regard, thesemitransparent mirror or substrate 50, second substrate 100, andhousing 120 are substantially identical to that described with respectto the first form of the invention, and therefore further discussionwith respect to those structures is not warranted. The second formincludes a first substrate 131 which has a different shape from thatseen with respect to the first form as illustrated in FIG. 1. The firstsubstrate 131 has a first surface 132, and a second surface 133. Asseen, a first plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters 134 aremounted on the second surface 133. Suitable electrical conduits areborne by the second surface and are coupled to a source of electricitywhich is typically supplied by the automotive platform 11. As should beunderstood by a study of FIG. 6, the first substrate, and housing 120,in combination and in the assembled form as seen in FIG. 6 definesdiscrete regions 135 through which emitted electromagnetic radiation, asdescribed below, passes. This electromagnetic radiation is then passedby the semitransparent mirror or substrate 50 such that it forms adiscrete signal which can be viewed at a distance from the assembly 130.As should be understood, and when assembled, the first surface 132 wouldbe juxtaposed relative to the second surface 52 of the semitransparentsubstrate 50, and in the region 61.

As seen in FIG. 7, the second form of the invention 130 includes areflector 140 which has a first surface 141, and a discrete, secondsurface 142. Still further, the reflector has a first portion 143 and asecond portion 144. As seen in FIG. 7, the first portion 143 is definedby a plurality of individually discrete reflector pockets 150 which aresomewhat similar in their overall function as that seen in the earlierform of the invention 10. In this regard, the plurality of reflectorpockets 150 are defined by individual reflector facets 151 (FIG. 6), andare operable, as seen, to reflect the electromagnetic radiation 152 invarious directions. As seen in FIG. 6, some of the plurality ofreflector pockets 150 reflect the emitted electromagnetic radiation 152in a first direction so as to be seen within the illumination zone 31 asseen in FIG. 8A. Further, the second portion 144 of the reflector 140 isdefined, at least in part, by individual apertures 160 which are formedin the reflector 140. Still further, the second portion 144 includesindividual reflector facets 161 which extend away from the first surface141 and are positioned in reflecting relation relative to the secondelectromagnetic radiation emitters 104 and which are mounted on thesecond substrate 100. When energized, the electromagnetic radiation ofthe second plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters 104 isreflected in a second direction as indicated by the line labeled 162.This electromagnetic radiation is then provided to the illumination zone33 as seen in FIG. 8C.

In the second form of the invention 130, a third plurality ofelectromagnetic radiation emitters 170 is provided and which are mountedon the second surface 133 of the first substrate 131. When energized,the third plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters are operableto provide electromagnetic radiation 171 which is reflected byindividual reflector pockets 150 into the illumination zone 32 as seenin FIG. 8B. As seen in FIG. 6, where the second form of the invention130 is shown in an assembled configuration, this assembled configurationis then received or otherwise mounted on a mirror bezel, (not shown),along with the semitransparent mirror or substrate 50 and thereafteroriented in an appropriate fashion so as to be useful to an operator ofan overland vehicle 11.

Operation

The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention isbelieved to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point.

Referring now to FIG. 1 and following, an electromagnetic radiationassembly 10 and 130 of the present invention includes a reflector 10 and140 which has first and second surfaces 81, 82, 141, 142, and first andsecond portions 83, 84, 143, 144. Further, this assembly 10, 130 furtherincludes a first electromagnetic radiation emitter 75, 134 positionedadjacent to the first surface, and which, when energized, emits visiblydiscernible electromagnetic radiation 76, 152 which is reflected by thefirst portion of the reflector so as to be visible at locations forwardof the first surface; and a second electromagnetic radiation emitter104, positioned adjacent to the second surface of the reflector, andwhich, when energized, emits visibly discernible electromagneticradiation 162 which is reflected by the second portion of the reflectorso as to be visible at locations forward of the first surface. Theelectromagnetic radiation assembly 10 of the present invention furtherincludes a semitransparent mirror or substrate 50. The visiblydiscernable electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first and secondelectromagnetic radiation emitters 75, 104, 134 passes through thesemitransparent mirror and can be seen at a distance, and in differentdirections, and typically within the illumination zones 31, 32 and 33,respectively.

With regards to the electromagnetic radiation assembly 10, the presentinvention includes a first substantially opaque substrate 70 positionedtherebetween the semitransparent mirror or substrate 50 and thereflector 80. The first opaque substrate defines a region 73 throughwhich the visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation may pass. Withregard to the first and second forms of the invention 10 and 130, thefirst electromagnetic radiation emitter 75, 134 is mounted on the firstopaque substrate 70, 131 and near the region which passes the visiblydiscernable electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiationassembly 10 and 130 of the present invention further includes a secondsubstrate 100 which is positioned in spaced relation relative to thesecond surface 82, 142 of the reflector 80, 140. In this regard, thereflector is located therebetween the first substrate 70, 131 and thesecond substrate 100, and the second electromagnetic radiation assembly104 is mounted on the second substrate 100. With regards to the firstand second forms of the invention, the first portion 83, 143 of thereflector 80, 140 comprises, at least in part, a reflector pocket 85,150 having multiple reflector facets. The respective reflective pocketseach define a cavity 86 which is typically positioned in eccentric,reflecting relation relative to the first electromagnetic radiationemitters 75, 134. The respective reflector pockets reflects the emittedvisibly discernable electromagnetic radiation emitted by the firstelectromagnetic radiation emitter 75, 134 in a first direction asillustrated in the drawings. In the arrangement as seen, the secondportion 84 of the reflector 80, 140 comprise, at least in part, anaperture 91, 160 which allows the visibly discernable electromagneticradiation generated by the second electromagnetic radiation emitter 104to pass therethrough. The second portion includes a reflector facet 92,161 having a reflecting surface which is located adjacent to theaperture and which is further positioned in spaced relation relative tothe second surface 82, 142 of the reflector 80, 140, and in reflectingrelation relative to the second electromagnetic radiation emitter 104.Visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation emitted by the secondelectromagnetic radiation emitter 104 is reflected by the reflectorfacet of the second portion of the reflector in the second direction. Inthe arrangement as seen, a third electromagnetic radiation emitter 110,170 is mounted on the second surface 72, 133 of the first substrate 70,100, and wherein the electromagnetic radiation generated by the thirdelectromagnetic radiation emitter is reflected by one of the reflectorfacets in a third direction. When assembled, and as seen in thedrawings, the emitted visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation isoperable to pass through the semitransparent substrate or mirror 50, andpass into first, second and third illumination zones 31, 32, and 33,respectively so as to be useful to the operator of the overland vehicle11, or other vehicles traveling adjacent thereto.

Therefore, it will be seen that the electromagnetic radiation assembly10, 130 of the present invention provides many advantages over the priorart devices which have been utilized heretofore. As will be recognized,the present assembly 10 and 130 is compact, cost efficient, and furtherprovides a convenient means whereby discernable electromagneticradiation may be projected in various directions and patterns relativeto the overland vehicle to assist the operator in the use of theoverland vehicle.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described inlanguage more or less specific as to structural and methodical features.It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited tothe specific features shown and described, since the means hereindisclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms ormodifications within the proper scope of the appended claimsappropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine ofequivalents.

1-24. (canceled)
 25. An electromagnetic radiation assembly, comprising:a first supporting substrate having first and second surfaces, and whichfurther has a region through which an electromagnetic radiation signalmay pass; a first plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters borneby the second surface, and positioned adjacent to the region throughwhich an electromagnetic radiation signal may pass, and wherein thefirst plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters, when energized,emits electromagnetic radiation which forms a first electromagneticradiation signal; a reflector having a plurality of reflector pocketswhich are individually positioned in covering, eccentric reflectingrelation relative to each of the first plurality of electromagneticradiation emitters, and wherein the reflector further includes a regionthorough which a second electromagnetic radiation signal may pass, andwherein the first electromagnetic radiation signal generated by thefirst plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters is reflected bythe respective reflector pockets in a direction so as to substantiallypass through the region in the first supporting substrate which passesthe first electromagnetic radiation signal; a second supportingsubstrate having first and second surfaces, and which is positioned inspaced relation relative to the reflector, and wherein the reflector ispositioned therebetween the first and second supporting surfaces; and asecond plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters borne by thesecond supporting substrate and which, when energized, emitselectromagnetic radiation which forms a second electromagnetic radiationsignal, and wherein the second electromagnetic radiation signal passesthrough both the region of the reflector which passes the secondelectromagnetic radiation signal, and the region of the first supportingsubstrate which permits the passage of the first electromagneticradiation signal.
 26. An electromagnetic radiation assembly as claimedin claim 25, and further comprising: a semitransparent substrate havinga first, outwardly facing surface, and a second, inwardly facingsurface, and wherein the first surface of the first supporting substrateis juxtaposed relative to the second surface of the semitransparentsubstrate, and wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitted by therespective first and second electromagnetic radiation emitters passthrough the semitransparent substrate in a plurality of directions. 27.An electromagnetic radiation assembly as claimed in claim 26, andfurther comprising: a third electromagnetic radiation emitter which isborne on the second surface of the first supporting substrate, andwhich, when energized, emits electromagnetic radiation which isreflected by the first portion of the reflector, and which passesthrough the semitransparent substrate in one of the plurality ofdirections.
 28. An electromagnetic radiation assembly as claimed inclaim 25, and wherein the second plurality of electromagnetic radiationemitters comprise, at least in part, a side-emitting light emittingdiode.
 29. An electromagnetic radiation assembly as claimed in claim 26,and wherein the semitransparent substrate is a semitransparent mirrorwhich is selected from the group of semitransparent mirrors comprisingsubstantially neutrally chromatic, dichroic, electrochromic, andcombinations thereof.